Confused

[vfoerster]

Just wondering but does anyone know the actual species of Boa/ Python that are banned from Houston or TX I can't find anything that is clear cut anymore. I thought I was ok and I didn't have any illegal pets. But I will move out of Houston if I can't have my pets anymore. Plz let me know. Thanks.

[Viper]

Google is your friend

www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?Check=True&pid=10123&sid=43

(Keep in mind that this is within the city limits of Houston, not Harris County.)

Chapter 6, Article 3 (As of 1999)

Sec. 6-51. Wild animal defined.
As used in this article, the term wild animal shall mean any mammal, amphibian, reptile or fowl of a species that is wild by nature and that, because of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics, is dangerous to human beings. Such animals shall include, but not be limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, cougars, coyotes, coyote-dog hybrids, raccoons, skunks (whether deodorized or not), apes, gorillas, monkeys of a species whose average adult weight is 20 pounds or more, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, alligators, crocodiles, caymans, fowl larger than a macaw, all forms of venomous reptiles and any snake that will grow to a length greater than eight feet. The term shall also include any animal listed as an "endangered species" under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, or any fowl protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The term wild animal shall not include gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and domesticated rabbits.
(Ord. No. 99-404, § 1, 4-28-99)

Sec. 6-52. Possession prohibited.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to be in possession of a wild animal within the city.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the owner or other person in possession or control of any lot, tract or parcel of land within the city or any residence or business premises situated thereon to knowingly suffer or permit any other person to be in possession of a wild animal upon the property, residence or premises.
(c) As used in this section, the term to be in possession includes any harboring or keeping of a wild animal, whether on a temporary or permanent basis and includes, without limitation, holding or keeping the wild animal for the temporary and/or limited purpose of sale or transfer or offering of sale or transfer to another person.

[LadyViper]

This is a city ordianace not a new law. You can live in Harris county but, not be in the city of Houston. You can have a mailing address of Houston, live in Harris county but not be in the city limits.

HB12 does not ban anything, but requires you to get a permit. If you live in the city limits and that is most cities, you not supposed to keep certain snakes anyhow.

HB12 talks about the large 5 and venomous snakes only not balls or boas.

[Viper]

Here's a map of the Houston city limits (in yellow)

[luker3232]

how would one go about getting a permit?

[LadyViper]

Permits are not ready for purchase yet. I heard you will be able to get them anywhere you buy a fishing license.....I do not know any facts yet. Nothing has been settled. HB12 has passed but, the permit system has not been set in place yet.

I recommend everyone join our Texas reptile Yahoo group, our members update it fast.